Political Reporter

The ruling ZANU-PF party has secured another unchallenged council seat after no opposition candidates filed nominations for Ward 19 in Mazowe Rural District Council, further cementing its dominance in Mashonaland Central Province.  

The Party’s candidate, Cde Tichaona Muskwe, will automatically assume office without an election after he became the sole contender to successfully submit nomination papers.  

This marks the second uncontested ZANU-PF victory in the Province in less than a year, following a similar win in Guruve last December.  

Sources within the district confirmed that opposition parties, including the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), opted against contesting the seat, a decision analysts attribute to ZANU-PF’s overwhelming support in the Province.

The move comes after CCC’s dismal performance in the recent Rushinga by-election, where its candidate secured only 19 votes.  

A CCC member, speaking anonymously, conceded defeat.

"Why waste resources contesting where ZANU-PF is guaranteed victory? Their grip here is unshakable. They have strong grassroots support. We must rethink our approach rather than engage in symbolic battles," said the CCC member.

With the election bypassed, focus now shifts to service delivery.

Ward 19 residents expressed cautious optimism, urging the incoming councillor to prioritize development in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision.  

"We congratulate Cde Muskwe, but what we need are roads, clean water, and better clinics. We hope he will follow the President’s vision of transforming rural areas,"  said John Mupfumi, a local farmer.

Another resident, Memory Chikwati , added, " ZANU-PF has our support, but we need action. The new councillor must work hard to improve our lives, not just occupy the seat."

Political analyst, Tendai Nyandoro, said the uncontested win reflects both ZANU-PF’s strong rural mobilization and opposition weaknesses.

"When parties don’t even bother contesting, it signals a crisis of confidence in the opposition. However, unchallenged victories also raise expectations and failure to deliver could erode trust. I believe this councillor will work hard to complement the President’s development efforts," said Chikwati.

As ZANU-PF consolidates its hold, pressure mounts on the CCC and other opposition groups to regroup or risk irrelevance in future elections.

Meanwhile, all eyes remain on Cde Muskwe to fulfilpromises in a ward where development, not political rivalry, will now be the true test of success.